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Petplan is more than a pet insurance provider. We’re dedicated to giving pet parents the support, resources and tools they need to keep their pets not just surviving but thriving into old age. A Petplan pet insurance policy can help you lower vet bills by up to 90% and covers hereditary & chronic issues, accidents, and more.

After raising more than $50,000, K-9 grant program expanded to include 50 dogs in 2018
Newtown Square, PA (February 21, 2018) – Petplan pet insurance announced that 50 working police dogs will receive pet insurance grants from the National Police Dog Foundation (NPDF) in 2018. The endowment, which Petplan sponsors, awarded five police K-9s with one year of Petplan coverage in 2017. The expansion of the program this year comes thanks to joint fundraising efforts between Petplan and the NPDF.
“The inaugural grant period was a success and we’re thrilled to cover even more working dogs this year,” says Natasha Ashton, co-founder and co-CEO of Petplan. “To be able to protect 10 times as many deserving police K-9s in 2018 is beyond our expectation.”
In addition to hereditary health conditions a police K-9 officer’s breed may dictate, occupational hazards like gunshot or stab wounds, lacerations, tail injuries and exposure to highly toxic substances like illegal drugs all threaten a police dog’s health (and a local police department’s budget).
Veterinary care can run in the thousands to treat these types of injuries, so protecting four-footed police with pet insurance like Petplan, which reimburses up to 90 percent of the bill, makes good fiscal sense for municipalities. And insuring police K-9s while in active duty ensures that they can stay healthy through retirement; conditions are covered for life, as long as the policy remains active.
“Just like professional athletes, [K-9s] can be subject to injury on a daily basis,” says Officer Quinn Handley of the Upland Police Department in California, who was a recipient of the Petplan/NPDF grant last year. “Having insurance allows us to maximize our budget on other necessary items like training, equipment and dog food. To work with K-9 Rudy is a dream come true. It allows the department to do our jobs more safely and efficiently.”
Funding for the K-9 Health Insurance Grant comes via support from Petplan as well as contributions from the public. In 2017, Petplan and the NPDF raised over $50,000 to make the 2018 grant cycle possible.
Applications are open now through March 31, and all municipalities and other working police K-9 units are encouraged to apply at https://nationalpolicedogfoundation.org/k9-health-insurance-grant-application-50/. Grant recipients are chosen by the NPDF and will be announced later this year.
To make a direct donation in support of grant funding, or to learn more about Petplan’s sponsorship of the NPDF, citizens can point their paws to https://nationalpolicedogfoundation.org/petplan/.

Pet insurance provider joins coalition to make animal shelters throughout the nation no-kill by 2025
Newtown Square, PA (February 27, 2018) – Petplan pet insurance announced today that it will donate at least $100,000 to Best Friends Animal Society® to support its Save Them All® campaign. To fulfill the pledge and engage their fans and followers in the initiative, Petplan will make a $50 donation for every pet insurance policy booked in 2018 using the code SAVETHEM. Additionally, new policyholders will be invited to make a donation directly to Best Friends after their purchase is complete, and Petplan will match all monies given.
“Pets come first at Petplan. Not just pets who are lucky enough to have loving homes, but every pet, everywhere,” says Natasha Ashton, co-founder and co-CEO of Petplan. “It may be hard to imagine a nation where every healthy homeless animal’s life is saved, but Best Friends has demonstrated that their no-kill mission and tactics work. They’ve already helped cities like Los Angeles hit a record save rate in their city shelters, and we want to see that same success all over the country. That’s why Petplan is committed to this campaign, and we believe that together we can save them all.”
Best Friends recently launched an initiative with rescue and shelter leaders from across the country to end the killing of dogs and cats in our nation’s shelters by 2025. The initiative aims to save the approximately 4,100 healthy or treatable dogs and cats that are killed in shelters every day. Key to achieving this goal is to organize animal welfare advocates around effective practices that have been proven to achieve no-kill at the community level.
In addition to providing financial support to help fund these tactics, Petplan will also promote the Save Them All campaign in their marketing, social media and PR efforts to help raise awareness of the no-kill mission.
“Support from corporate partners like Petplan will help us reach our ultimate goal to Save Them All,” says Eric Rayvid, director, PR for Best Friends Animal Society. “Besides their financial contributions to our mission, Petplan’s enthusiasm for engaging their audience in our work should have a huge impact. We’re really excited to kick off this partnership and join together to end the killing of animals in our nation’s shelters.”

Petplan compares common qualities — and injuries — of athletes and animals
Newtown Square, PA (February 15, 2018) – Our furry friends have more in common with Team USA’s best competitors than you think. Petplan pet insurance says cold-weather warriors can be slipped up by many of the same health conditions, whether they’re on two or four legs.
With the Winter Games now in full swing, Petplan picked popular competitors that share characteristics with certain canine pedigrees and names the injuries they can have in common:
Chris Corning, Snowboarding
Physical profile: Immensely active and strong, yet agile enough to maneuver on any terrain.
Petplan says: Back problems are on the roster for both athletes and animals; snowboarder Chris Corning qualified for the 2018 Olympic games despite a back contusion. Large dog breeds like Doberman Pinschers, Weimaraners, Great Danes, Rottweilers and Dalmatians can battle Wobbler syndrome, a condition of the spinal cord that typically costs $4,228 to treat.*
Nathan Chen, Figure Skating
Physical profile: Graceful showman with a compact build and athletic ability.
Petplan says: Hip surgery sidelined Nathan Chen in 2016, but he’s back in the game for PyeongChang (with five quadruple jumps in his long program!). Hip pain in dogs can be a symptom of hip dysplasia, which is common in breeds like Retrievers, American Staffordshire Terriers and German Shepherds and can cost as much as $1,850 to treat.*
Steven Nyman, Skiing
Physical profile: Possesses power and athleticism. Rugged and tough, but still agile.
Petplan says: The top U.S. downhiller will miss his fourth Olympics run after tearing his right ACL in late January. Knee injuries are one of the most common conditions in dogs of all breeds, especially large, active dogs like Labradors, Newfoundlands, German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers. A torn knee ligament usually requires surgical correction and costs an average of $3,480 to treat.*
Meghan Duggan, Ice Hockey
Physical profile: A great athlete who understands teamwork, can move fast and go all day long.
Petplan says: As the captain of the U.S. Olympic women’s ice hockey team, sprains and strains to the shoulders, ankles and groin are occupational hazards for Duggan. They’re common in all breeds of dogs, too: lameness is Petplan’s third most claimed for condition, costing an average of $966 to treat.*
As Petplan’s pairings highlight, the talent to play hard and take on anything isn’t the only thing linking our pets with Olympians.
“Pets are a lot like athletes in that they take life at full speed and stop at nothing to play the game. But what makes a medalist on the ice and in your backyard can lead to serious injury,” says Petplan co-founder and co-CEO Natasha Ashton. “In fact, pets probably rack up medical bills as fast as any Olympic competitor; every six seconds a pet parent is handed a vet bill over $3,000!** For animals and athletes, good preventive care is key. And it never hurts to have a little help paying the bills.”
*Average costs based on 2017 Petplan claims data.
**Source: 2014 Petplan claims data.

Cleveland Browns Defensive Lineman and Animal Health Advocate Danny Shelton Named Petplan’s 2018 Pet Parent of the Year
Pet insurance provider to honor Shelton’s contributions at Veterinary Excellence Awards next month
Newtown Square, PA (January 15, 2018) – Petplan pet insurance has named pro football star Danny Shelton as their “Pet Parent of the Year” for the 2018 Veterinary Excellence Awards. Shelton, who has four rescued dogs, distinguished himself among this year’s candidates through his public advocacy of pet health, hands-on work in the community and commitment to providing relief aid to pets affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
“Danny Shelton is not only a role model on the field, he’s a model pet parent to boot,” says Natasha Ashton, co-founder and co-CEO of Petplan. “One peek at his @the_furry_sheltons Instagram account makes his love for his dogs and commitment to their wellbeing apparent. But beyond treating his own pets like gold, Danny has gone above and beyond in helping other pets live better, too.”
Shelton’s awareness-raising work addressing pet health issues like adoption, responsible pet parenting, the dangers of secondhand smoke and the importance of pet insurance makes an impact on pets’ lives every day.
At Christmastime, the Cleveland Browns defensive lineman plays Santa Paws at Cleveland-area shelters, distributing much-needed food and supplies — many of which he donates himself.
And when hurricanes devastated communities in the Gulf Coast last summer, the 2015 first-round pick out of the University of Washington partnered with Petplan to make a $55,000 donation to pet organizations for hurricane relief.
“Danny’s a big guy with an even bigger heart, and we can’t wait to recognize his efforts at the 2018 Veterinary Excellence Awards,” added Ashton.
Shelton is honored to be recognized at the event.
“Since I adopted my first dog in college— my Pit Bull, Moni — pets have become a huge part of my life,” says Shelton. “Moni, Mojo, Juicy and Juju are like family to me and [fiancée] Mara, and giving back is our way of honoring them and all the love they’ve brought to our lives. To be named the Pet Parent of the Year at this year’s Vet Awards is really special, and I’m excited to take part in the event.”
Shelton will receive his award at the Petplan Veterinary Excellence Awards on February 2 at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando. The ceremony is a black-tie gala and dinner that celebrates the achievements of outstanding veterinary professionals and one exemplary pet parent.
For more information about Petplan’s annual Veterinary Excellence Awards, visit Petplan.com/vet-awards.
ABOUT PETPLAN
Petplan has built an industry-leading pet insurance policy for pet parents who demand a higher pedigree of care for their best friends. We’ve leveraged 40 years of global experience to create completely customizable coverage pet parents can feel confident in, and world-class claims service that operates 24 hours a day, every day.
Petplan’s innovative approach to pet insurance has been recognized by Forbes, Financial Times, Bloomberg, Inc. magazine, Smart CEO, the Communicator Awards, Ernst & Young and many others.
Petplan policies are underwritten in the U.S. by XL Specialty Insurance Company and in Canada by XL Specialty Insurance Company-Canadian Branch. The company is rated A+ by S&P (2017). Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions. For more information about Petplan pet insurance, visit www.gopetplan.com or call 1-866-467-3875.
CONTACT:
Greg Wiley
Senior Manager, Public Relations
610.886.5091
greg.wiley@gopetplan.com

You’d never think about going on a road trip (or even just driving down the street) without buckling your seatbelt or making sure your kids are strapped into their seats. So why is it so common to see pets roaming around people’s cars? From the Labrador Retriever who is halfway out the back window to the Jack Russell Terrier sitting on his owner’s lap in the driver’s seat, dogs that are unrestrained are in danger of being seriously injured in an accident. They also pose a threat to humans in the car.
In the unfortunate occurrence of a car accident, your unrestrained pet turns into a projectile, capable of propelling through a windshield and/or causing significant injury to you and your other passengers. Unrestrained pets also cause driver distraction, not to mention a physical threat should they venture near the accelerator or brake pedals while the car is moving.
With several states considering or already passing pet restraint laws, the issue of loose pets in vehicles is not just an ethical problem, it can be a legal problem. Many states can dole out hefty fines for unrestrained pets causing driver distraction, and Hawaii has banned pets from owner’s laps altogether.
I know pet parents love having their furry family along for car rides, and sometimes it’s just unavoidable (like on trips to the veterinarian or kennel). So what’s a dog or cat chauffeur to do?
The answer is fairly simple: protect your four-legged passengers the same way that you do your human riders. Buckle them up! You’ll find an array of vehicular pet safety devices available on the market, including safety harnesses, pet seatbelts, and carriers that clip in to your car’s seatbelt.
However, not all of these safety products are equally effective at protecting your pet.
The Center for Pet Safety conducted a pilot study in 2011 to test the safety of four brands of pet restraint harnesses. A 55 lb. dummy dog was placed in the harnesses and then put through crash testing. The results were dismal; all four failed to provide adequate safety for the pets themselves or for the humans in the car.
Since that harsh wake-up call, companies started working harder to provide products that protect our pets.
Some, like pet restraint manufacturer Sleepypod, have gone so far as to conduct their own crash tests. As a result, Sleepypod products have earned a top-rated Safety Certification from the Center for Pet Safety.
In addition to a traditional pet safety harness, the Clickit Sport, Sleepypod also manufactures a cleverly designed mobile pet bed. The cozy carrier doubles as a bed when you’re not on the go, encouraging cats and dogs to associate it with comfort and safety. This helps to address anxiety, another big issue for traveling pets. Best of all, the carrier attaches to your car’s seatbelt to protect your pet in case of a crash.
The next time you’re planning to bring your cat or dog along on a trip, make your pet’s safety a priority before you head out. Remember, choosing to take precautions is only the first step. It’s crucial to do your research and find a pet travel product that will truly guarantee your furry friend’s safety! Check the labels and look for a brand like Sleepypod that carries a trusted safety rating.
You love your pets enough to take them with you on your trip. Now ensure that they return home with you safely, too.

Late last year, we lost our beloved 15½ year old Sandy after a year-long battle with kidney failure.
Sandy’s last month, while precious beyond measure, was filled with the daily stress of fluid administration and meds, hand-feeding, assisting up and down stairs, and cleaning her after an unavoidable “accident.”
My wife and I were barely able to sleep more than three to four hours at a stretch, due to the constant subconscious alarm clock of, “What if?” Our experience was similar to untold millions of others caring for a terminally ill furry family member.
Sick pets and psychological stress
A new study published in Veterinary Record examined caregiver burden in owners of sick companion animals. The results further reinforced the depth and significance of the human-animal bond. It also validated that the feelings and struggles of fellow pet parents were normal, healthy and necessary.
We’ve known for centuries that caring for the ill creates tremendous stress and strife. Parents, spouses, and loved ones of chronically ill family have been shown to have decreased immune function, increased illness and high rates of depression.
While anecdotal evidence suggested pet owners and veterinary staff may undergo similar developments, no one had conducted scientific inquiry into caregiver burden in pet owners until now.
The study, led by researchers from Kent State University, evaluated 238 dog and cat owners, half with pets suffering from terminal illness. They were seeking to determine if people living with and caring for dogs and cats exhibited elevated stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as poorer quality of life.
This is important not only to help pet parents struggling with sick pets, but also for veterinary and human healthcare providers to lend additional support. Its’ also essential that non-pet owners understand that stress, depression and grief for pet loved ones is real.
Of course, caring for a sick pet is different than a human family member.
Lead investigator Mary Beth Spitznagel told CNN, "It is important that we do not minimize what family caregivers are experiencing in human caregiving relationships. I would not say that pet caregiving is the same, for example, as providing care for a parent with dementia or a spouse who has had a stroke.”
“But pet caregiving in the context of a chronic or terminal disease is clearly stressful for the pet owner,” sehe continues, “and we can learn a lot about how to help people in this situation by looking at what helps reduce stress in human caregiving.”
The study also showed that caring for a chronically ill pet resulted in reduced psychosocial function, or withdrawal from human relationships and activities. I’ve witnessed both in my veterinary practice and personal life the tremendous emotional toll and time commitment a terminal illness in a pet requires.
Lending a paw of support
This study stresses the importance of a support network for caregivers of terminally ill pets. It also emphasizes the need for veterinary professionals to remain involved and prepare for the emotional turbulence many clients will endure.
Clients may require additional time to process a diagnosis and prognosis or make decisions, they may ask for alternative treatment plans, and often need help dealing with whatever is happening. Caring for a chronically ill pet demands close collaboration between pet parents, veterinary staff and friends and family.
After Sandy passed naturally, in my arms surrounded by our entire human and animal family, a strange, simultaneous sense of both relief and regret washed over me. It took a couple of weeks to stop waking up at 3 a.m. and immediately looking toward her now vacant bed.
This study helped me realize that these feelings were normal, natural, healthy responses. I also hope it helps other pet parents and veterinary professionals better navigate and overcome the challenges of caregiver burden.
How has having a sick pet impacted your family? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Yogurt has been around for thousands of years and has always been thought of as a healthy food. But is it safe for pets? Yes! Yogurt is usually safe—and most likely healthy—for cats and dogs to eat. To learn why, follow along as Dr. Ernie Ward recounts a "true tail" from the veterinary clinic....
“Please tell me my kitty is not going to VOMIT OR SEIZURE OR…SOMETHING REALLY BAD!”
The voice on the phone couldn’t sound any more distraught.
“I think she only licked a little, but she’s SO TINY! Is she going to LIVE?”
By now you’re probably thinking the caller’s cat had drunk cyanide, gasoline or nerve gas. You’d be wrong.
“What flavor was the yogurt?” I calmly inquired.
Strange as it may sound, some pet parents take the whole “people food is bad for pets” thing a little too far. This was one of those times.
The benefits of yogurt for pets
Yogurt has been around for thousands of years and has always been thought of as a healthy food. The name originates from the Turkish term “yog” meaning “condense” or “intensify.” The Greeks and Romans correctly called it “oxygala” or “acid milk,” an important fact to remember when it comes to digestibility.
It’s no secret adult cats (and dogs) are largely lactose intolerant. This is why veterinarians don’t recommend offering your cat a bowl of milk unless you also want to clean the litterbox (or bedding) more frequently.
Yogurt is a product of the acidic fermentation of milk. The creation of yogurt begins with the breakdown of milk lactose into the sugars glucose and galactose. This acidic fermentation of milk leaves little lactose remaining in the finished product. That means cats, dogs, and even lactose-intolerant humans can digest yogurt without messy side effects.
The benefits of yogurt relatively high protein content (about 9 grams per 6-ounce serving), calcium, vitamins B2 and B12, and minerals potassium and magnesium. It’s yogurt’s friendly bacteria, or probiotics, that we typically associate with helping our digestion.
But is there enough to help or harm?
The key to supplementing your diet with probiotics is dosage. In other words, you want to supply as many bacteria as possible in a single serving.
In general, a full 4.5 to 6-oz serving of yogurt provides at or around 1 billion CFUs (colony forming units). If you offer your cat one to two tablespoons, you’re offering a clinically-small dosage of friendly bacteria.
This is one of the reasons I encourage pet owners to investigate taking a recommended and reliable probiotic oral supplement; all of the bacteria without the additional calories.
If you’re looking for the maximum number of probiotics, I recommend supplementing with a concentrated oral form. Look for a veterinary formulation containing at least one billion CFU’s.
I advise nearly all adult dogs and cats I see to take a daily probiotic. They can help boost the immune system, reduce diarrhea (especially in conjunction with stress and antibiotics), and other potential health benefits.
Yogurt is usually safe and healthy for cats and dogs to eat - just check the nutrition label to make sure it doesn't contain a dangerous ingredient like xylitol. I share my morning yogurt-infused veggie smoothie with my feline and canine companions. They love it!

Pineapples are a popular pick for those looking for a sweet yet healthy snack, but are these fruits safe for dogs to eat? Yes! But before I explain why, let's revisit the growing issue at hand (or in this case, waist)...
Chew the fat
Over half of the dog population in the United States is overweight or obese, so there’s a very good chance that at some point in your life journey with your four legged friend, you’ve been told to decrease your dog’s caloric intake, increase his exercise, or, ideally, both.
In the battle against the bulge, there is one pervasive enemy—treats. Treats should make up less than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake, but often, they account for a much bigger percentage. Who actually looks at the nutritional data for a particular treat and then calculates how many a dog can have in a day? But the truth is, you should be doing exactly that if you expect your pet to lose weight.
Another tactic for pet owners who just can’t give up treats (after all, dogs are THE master of all “puppy dog eyes” givers) is to switch to low calorie treats, and what’s better than giving fresh whole foods like fruits and veggies?
Can dogs eat pineapple?
When pursuing the produce aisle for particularly pleasing picks, don’t discount the bin full of pineapples. While it may seem odd to feed your pooch pieces of pineapple, it's actually quite healthy (and perfectly safe), and most dogs love it!
Pineapple is packed with vitamins and minerals, and at around 80 calories per cup, it’s low calorie enough to be a perfect treat for dogs, whether they are on a diet or not!
If you’re wanting to give your dogs a tropical treat, stick with the fresh variety. Canned pineapple is usually packed in sugary syrup, which can lead to some unintended gastrointestinal consequences (like diarrhea). Though a whole fresh pineapple looks intimidating, it’s actually quite easy to prepare (and most of them come with instructions on the tag).
Be careful when you’re cutting pieces for your pooch—trim out the core and the outer spiky shell, as these harder parts of the fruit are less digestible and can potentially cause an intestinal obstruction.
Finally, watch for oral irritation. Pineapple contains bromelain, which is commonly used as a meat tenderizer. It’s this aspect of the fruit that can cause mild irritation to the oral tissues if too much pineapple is consumed. Start with a small amount of pineapple for a treat to see how your dog’s palate and GI tract respond before giving larger portions.
Related reading: Can dogs eat apples?

Cheese, glorious cheese! While there may not be anything better than an ooey, gooey pile of cheese dripping off of a slice of pizza or a bite of nachos, is it safe to share this delicacy with your dog?
Is cheese safe for dogs?
Life is short, and cheese is delicious, so I’ll skip the small talk. The answer is: YES! In most cases, it’s perfectly safe to share cheese with your dog, and since I’ve never, ever met a dog who dislikes cheese, I feel pretty confident that I just made your dog’s day.
There are as many varieties of cheese as there are breeds of dogs, and all of them are safe to feed. Even the moldy cheeses, like blue cheese. This is not to say that you can feed your dog the moldy piece of cheese you forgot about at the back of the refrigerator; if you wouldn’t eat it, don’t feed it to your dog. Some of the molds that can grow on cheese are toxic, producing tremors (or worse) in those who eat it. So if your cheese is growing something it shouldn’t be, throw it away!
The 10 percent rule
The same 10% rule that I apply to all other snacks or treats applies to cheese. This means that no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake should come from unbalanced sources (i.e. anything that isn’t your dog’s food). Cheese packs a pretty caloric punch—one serving (or one ounce) contains about 100 calories. Depending on your dog’s size, just a little bit of cheese could send her over her treat limit.
Before you present your precious pooch with a gourmet cheese board, a few caveats apply:
Cheese is high in fat, so if you have a breed that is prone to pancreatitis, you may want to think twice before using cheese as a treat. If your dog has suffered from pancreatitis, don’t chance it—find snack that is lower in fat for him.
Giving cheese with a certain class of antibiotics called tetracyclines is not advisable as cheese can lower the bioavailability of these medications. Doxycycline is a commonly used tetracycline—it’s used in dogs with Lyme disease. If your dog is on a tetracycline drug, it doesn’t mean she has to skip cheese altogether. Just don’t give her meds with/in cheese.
Aged cheeses are high in tyramine, which may inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO). MAO is an enzyme needed for the breakdown of many neurotransmitters (like serotonin and dopamine). If your pet is on a medication that also inhibits MAO (known as an MAOI), she may end up with too much of these neurotransmitters in her blood stream because they aren’t being broken down. Check with your veterinarian or pharmacist if you’re not sure about your pet’s medication.
Some pets are less tolerant to lactose than others. If your dog has never had cheese before, start slow. Feed a small amount of cheese first to see how she does with it. If dairy doesn’t jive with her system, you’ll know within 24 hours.
I find that cheese makes a perfect tiny treat for rewarding desired behaviors during training sessions. It’s highly palatable and also very portable. Cut a block of cheese into small (pea-sized) cubes and toss them into a reusable container or grab a string cheese and you’re ready to go! Rewarding good behavior is the best way to train your pup, and a love of lactose makes it easy cheesy!
Related reading: Can dogs eat popcorn?

If you take your dog camping (or maybe you’re just a fan of the backyard fire pit), chances are you’ve been stared at longingly while toasting that perfect marshmallow. While you may prefer your marshmallow black on the outside and gooey on the inside, your dog isn’t so picky—she’ll take what she can get! But is it safe for dogs to eat marshmallows?
Most marshmallows are made from sugar, water, and gelatin, and all of these ingredients are "safe" for both dogs and cats. While they certainly qualify as “junk food,” they are not toxic to pets and can be given as an occasional treat if your pet has a sweet tooth.
In fact, marshmallows make a perfect hiding spot for medications. Tuck a pill into the soft center of a marshmallow, and it virtually disappears, hiding in pillowy, sticky, sugary goodness. For pets who are expert pill finders, or those who eschew pill pockets or peanut butter, marshmallows are a great option at medication time.
Now that you’ve been given the green light to your pet’s marshmallow heaven, a few “buts” will, of course, apply.
Marshmallows that contain xylitol are toxic to pets
Firstly, check your marshmallow's ingredients list. More and more food products are incorporating the artificial sweetener xylitol as a substitute for sugar. Xylitol is toxic to dogs, causing blood sugar to bottom out and inflicting severe damage to the liver. If your marshmallows contain xylitol, keep them to yourself.
Follow the 10 percent rule
Secondly, follow the 10% rule that comes with any pet snack—unbalanced foods (like treats!) should only make up 10% of your pet’s total daily caloric intake. Mini marshmallows contain about 2 calories per marshmallow, while the jumbo marshmallows pack a punch of about 25 calories each.
What to do if your dog eats marshmallows
If you’ve landed on this article because your pet just ate an entire bag of marshmallows, you can let out a sigh of relief. There is nothing toxic in regular marshmallows made with sugar (not xylitol). If your dog couldn’t stop at just one marshmallow and instead ate one whole bag, you might see a bit of gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea), but nothing life-threatening. Because your dog probably won’t learn from his overindulgence, you should take this time to not only weep over your lost marshmallows, but to also make a mental note—keep delicious foods safely behind the pantry door.
Related reading: Can dogs eat ice cream?